KC Sipps: Valentine’s ideas, Afrodisiac launch, and a Lunar New Year celebration

Art by Cassondra Jones

Looking for delicious plans? Whether you want to impress a date, show your fam the best of KC, or just get out of the house, we’ve got you covered… all while supporting (mostly) local. 

Here is your weekly roundup of the best food and drink offerings around Kansas City. Cheers!

Something New

Atomic Cowboy: Last night the new Overland Park location of Atomic Cowboy hosted a media preview to sample a solid portion of the menu. The interior feels like a mix of Chicken N Pickle and Texas Roadhouse–comfortable, upbeat, and slightly overmanufactured. There are some great dishes that I will definitely return for. The unique dessert made with sweet biscuits, ice cream, and crushed Oreos has not left my mind since last night. 

You Wanna Pizza Me?: PETA has announced a list of the top ten vegan pizzas in the country, and the West Bottom’s You Wanna Pizza Me? shop has a pie that made the cut. El Luchador is topped with seasoned vegan beef or chicken, dairy-free cheese, red onion, salsa verde, taco sauce, and a drizzle of vegan sour cream on a signature flame-grilled crust.

February 8

Vine Street Brewing: To celebrate Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, Vine Street Brewing Co. has created Afrodisiac Golden Chocolate Ale in collaboration with André’s Chocolates and Black Pantry. It is available at Vine Street Brwing starting at noon, both on draft and in cans while supplies last.

February 10

Mission Taco Joint: The three Kansas City locations of Mission Taco Joint are changing their hours of operation and now serving brunch. Starting today, brunch will be available from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m each Saturday and Sunday. The new menu features dishes like Chorihuevo Torta, Churro French Toast, breakfast cocktails, and much more. The regular MTJ menu is available starting at 11 a.m.

Cafe Cà Phê: In Columbus Park and West Bottoms, Cafe Cà Phê is hosting its annual Lunar New Year celebration to ring in the year of the dragon. Registration is required but free. At 10 a.m., the first set of events kicks off at their Columbus Park location with dragon dancing, crafts, and a Year of the Dragon menu drop. At 7 p.m., the cafe’s second location inside 12th Street Post begins with a night market featuring food, adult beverages, AANHPI vendors, a drag show, and more.

Kansas City Bier Company: In Waldo, KC Bier Co is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a party from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The event features 20 new beers on tap that were brewed exclusively for this event by employees who were encouraged to get creative. Admission to the party is $28 and includes a special edition tasting glass and five tokens for bier. The Bierhalle and Biergarten will also be open for regular business.

Next to Nature Farm: Next to Nature Farm in Leavenworth is hosting a Cocktails & Charcuterie Party less than an hour’s drive from downtown KC. Tickets are $35 per person for this 2 p.m. class, and all charcuterie and cocktail supplies are provided.

Tom’s Town: Queer Bar Takeover is headed to Tom’s Town in downtown Kansas City. A $7 ticket in advance gets you entry, discounted drinks, and entry to the afterparty at Missie B’s. The event runs from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.

February 11

Super Bowl: It’s that time again! Sheesh is it great to be a Chiefs fan in this era or what?! Check out my round-up of deals, watch parties, and food-related news regarding the big game on Saturday. Many places require preorders or reservations, so make your plans now!

February 13

Bamboo Penny’s: In Leawood, Chef Penny Mufuka and team are throwing a Galentine’s bash. Don the neon and hairspray, grab the besties, and join in the fun. Each $20 ticket includes a welcome cocktail and appetizer, petit fours, 80s-themed games and prizes, and a book talk from author Lauren Peacock. The full menu will be available for additional purchase.

Valentine’s Day

The Town Co.: Expert pastry chef Helen Jo Leach has created decadent $20 goodie boxes for lovers and friends, or yourself! Preorders are open now for this lovely box that features cherry almond pinwheel cookies, a coffee toffee bar, passionfruit gummies, and more. Pair this with local coffee or a new book, and you’ve got yourself a winning gift. I ordered two! Valentine’s Day is also my birthday, after all.

The Primrose: The Primrose cocktail bar in Mission has a lovely Valentine’s menu out now. I have my eye on the Lust in the City with blood orange liqueur and cranberry bitters, but my go-to is their Cuffing Season–a non-alcoholic cold brew cocktail. No reservations are required at this intimate space. 

Cafe Cà Phê: On Tuesday, February 13, Café Cà Phê is partnering with local vendors and experts for a hands-on (wink wink) interactive date night. Tickets are $71.50 each and include a beginner latte art class, a couple’s tarot and oracle reading, Custom Candle pouring, a salsa dance lesson, chocolate tasting, and cocktails. 

Taco Naco: Tacobout a hot date! Taco Naco in Westport and Overland Park has a special V-Day Taco Love Box available February 13 – 18. Select your perfect combination of six tacos to be nestled into a heart-shaped vessel.

Coffey Grounds Farm: For a more rustic celebration, Coffey Grounds Farm in Stillwell, KS is hosting a Flutes at the Farm Champagne Valentine’s Dinner. Staring at $150 per person, this February 14 dinner features five courses of sweet and spicy pork belly, jumbo shrimp, chocolate torte, and more. Reservations are required.

Plan (Even Further) Ahead

Thai Orchid: On February 18, Thai Orchid in Mission is schooling guests on green curry. A hands-on course will include Thai snacks and a drink, history and techniques for making Thai Green Curry, and a curry dish to enjoy at home. The course is from 2 – 4 p.m. and costs $75.

Mean Mule Distilling Co.: On February 25-26 Mean Mule in Crossroads is hosting a free retreat for service industry workers. Read my full write-up on the event for more details.

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